Fabric Weight Converter: OSY to GSM, Linear Weight, and More

Understanding fabric weight is essential when comparing linens, evaluating samples, or sourcing materials for hospitality, healthcare, and commercial applications. This free converter tool helps you quickly translate between OSY (ounces per square yard), GSM (grams per square meter), linear weight values, and other common industry measurements. Whether you’re selecting sheeting for hotels, evaluating towels for spas, or reviewing textile specs from suppliers, this tool provides accurate conversions in one place.

How to Use the Fabric Weight Converter

  1. Enter the value you want to convert (OSY, GSM, OLY, GLY, or GLM).
  2. Select the correct measurement type from the dropdown.
  3. Choose whether the fabric width is measured in inches or centimeters.
  4. Enter the value for the fabric width.
  5. Click Convert to instantly calculate all equivalent units.

The tool updates all measurements simultaneously, allowing you to compare various fabric formats at a glance.

Input

Results

What Is Fabric Weight and Why Does It Matter?

Fabric weight describes the density and durability of a textile. It directly impacts how a product feels, performs, and wears over time. In hospitality and healthcare environments—where linens experience frequent turnover and industrial laundering—choosing the correct fabric weight is one of the most important decisions you can make.

Higher fabric weights typically provide greater durability, while lighter weights improve breathability and cost efficiency. Using consistent measurement units ensures you compare materials accurately across suppliers and product categories.

Common Fabric Weight Units Explained

OSY (Ounces per Square Yard)

OSY (Ounces per Square Yard)

A linear measurement used when purchasing fabric rolls. OLY accounts for both weight and usable width.

GSM (Grams per Square Meter)

GSM (Grams per Square Meter)

GSM is the global standard for textile weight. It provides a precise measurement of fabric density—useful for comparing sheeting, blankets, pillow shells, and apparel fabrics from international suppliers.

OLY (Ounces per Linear Yard)

OLY (Ounces per Linear Yard)

A linear measurement used when purchasing fabric rolls. OLY accounts for both weight and usable width.

GLY (Grams per Linear Yard)

GLY (Grams per Linear Yard)

A linear measurement used when purchasing fabric rolls. OLY accounts for both weight and usable width.

GLM (Grams per Linear Meter)

GLM (Grams per Linear Meter)

A standard measurement for mills and global manufacturers. GLM gives an accurate representation of weight across full-width rolls.

Why This Converter Matters for Hospitality & Healthcare Buyers

Purchasing linens for hotels, hospitals, vacation rentals, extended-stay housing, and care facilities requires precise specifications. Small differences in fabric weight can affect:

  • Durability under industrial laundry cycles
  • Long-term replacement costs
  • Guest comfort and satisfaction
  • Breathability and temperature regulation
  • Fabric hand-feel and perceived quality
  • Total fabric consumption per room or facility

This tool ensures you’re always comparing apples to apples—whether you’re evaluating a T180 sheet, a 300 GSM blanket, or a 4.5 OSY fabric roll.

When to Use OSY vs GSM

Use OSY when:

  • Working with domestic suppliers
  • Reviewing fabric specs for sheeting, ticking, or industrial textiles
  • Evaluating roll goods sold by weight

Use GSM when:

  • Comparing imported linens
  • Reviewing global product specifications
  • Analyzing towels, blankets, and quilts
  • Working with mills that use metric standards
  • Our converter handles both instantly, so you don’t need separate tools.

 Fabric Weight Guidelines for Hotels & Healthcare Facilities

Use the converter to validate these ranges when comparing suppliers.

Sheets & Pillowcases

  • T130–T200: Economy / high-turnover
  • T200–T250: Mid-range hotel and healthcare
  • T250–T300: Premium hotel sheeting
  • T300–T400+ (100% cotton): Luxury; softer hand-feel

GSM typically ranges from 90–150 GSM depending on weave and material.

Hotel Sheets & Pillowcases

Blankets

  • 200–300 GSM: Lightweight hospitality fleece
  • 300–400 GSM: Mid-weight institutional blankets
  • 400+ GSM: Premium or cold-climate blankets

Blankets & Bedspreads

Towels

  • 400–500 GSM: Lightweight quick-dry
  • 500–650 GSM: Standard hotel quality
  • 650+ GSM: Luxury resort / spa towels

Towels & Washcloths

Need help choosing the right fabric weight for your property?

We supply hotels, healthcare facilities, and commercial laundries with cost-effective textile solutions—built for performance and high-turnover environments.

Contact us for guidance or a tailored quote.

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Trusted Bedding Solutions for Hotels, Motels & Vacation Rentals

With decades of experience supplying hospitality, healthcare, government agencies, and emergency relief efforts, The Linen Factory has become a trusted American-made partner for bulk bedding programs.

What is the difference between OSY and GSM?

OSY (ounces per square yard) is a common U.S. measurement for fabric weight, while GSM (grams per square meter) is the international standard. Both describe density but use different units.

Why does fabric weight matter for hotel and healthcare linens

Fabric weight affects durability, comfort, breathability, and laundering performance. Choosing the correct weight helps extend linen life and manage long-term replacement costs.

What GSM is used for hotel sheets?

Most hospitality sheets range from 90–150 GSM, depending on weave, blend, and thread count. T200–T250 is standard for mid-market hotels. T300-T400 is sometimes used in higher end hotels.

What is a good GSM for blankets in hotels or hospitals?

Lightweight fleece blankets run 200–300 GSM, while institutional blankets and cold-weather styles can exceed 350–450 GSM.

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